Prayers

Fourth Sunday of Lent 2017

1 Samuel 16:1, 4, 6-7, 10-13; Psalm 23; Ephesians 5:8-14; John 9:1-41 “A Heart that Sees”   The Lord looks at the heart, while human beings look at appearances–at least those of us who have not yet moved from darkness to light in Christ. Those who remain in the dark not only fail to see… Read more »

Third Sunday of Lent 2017

Exodus 17:3-7; Psalm 95; Romans 5:1-2, 5-8; Jn. 4:5-42 A “Revitalizing” Weariness   The Lord Jesus arrived in Samaria “tired from his journey” and stopped at Jacob’s Well. It seems odd that the Master, who never ceased to proclaim by word and deed the coming of the Kingdom of God, who was tireless in healing the… Read more »

Second Sunday of Lent 2017

Genesis 12:1-4; Psalm 33; 2 Timothy 1:8-10; Matthew 17:1-9 A Transfiguring Climb   Climb! Keep climbing! Never stop climbing! Let’s make it clear that it is not easy to take one’s first steps in the Lenten desert, just as it was not easy for Abram–who was called to leave his homeland and become a wayfarer–to… Read more »

First Sunday of Lent 2017

Genesis 2:7-9, 3:1-7; Psalm 51; Romans 5:12-19; Matthew 4:1-11 The “Fullness” of the Desert How many deserts we must cross to reach the “promised land” of freedom–a journey which invites us to bring to completion the person we are called to be, not the one who does whatever he/she pleases. The desert of daily problems;… Read more »

Epiphany 2017

Francesca Pratillo, fsp

Where is the king of the Jews? (Mt. 2:1-12)               In telling a story that blends fact and fiction, the evangelist Matthew offers us one of the most beautiful pages in his Gospel. Those who followed the star to Bethlehem were neither three in number, nor were they kings. Rather, they were courageous pilgrims… Read more »

Mary, Mother of God 2017

Francesca Pratillo, fsp

“Who is my mother?” One day, Jesus said to the crowd: “Who are my mother and my brothers [and sisters]? My mother, brothers and sisters are those who hear the word of God and do it” (cf. Mk. 3:31; Lk.8:21). This statement throws light on the contemplative activity that constructs the world and gives rise… Read more »